Flats 'safe' after anti-terror raid

A number of homes evacuated after substances and a device were found during a raid by anti-terror police have been declared safe.

Residents in six flats were asked to leave the area around Cheriton Gardens and Ormston Avenue in Horwich, near Bolton, Greater Manchester, following the raid on two houses in the area at 10am on Wednesday.

But after the substances and device found during the raids were examined, the properties were deemed to be safe, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said.

A spokeswoman for the force said: "It is hoped that residents will be allowed to return to their properties within the hour."

Police had been executing search warrants as part of an investigation into the possession and distribution of indecent images in Bolton.

A 38-year-old man from Horwich was arrested on suspicion of possession of indecent images and also on suspicion of offences under the Terrorism Act 2000, specifically possessing information likely to be useful for a person committing or preparing for acts of terrorism and offences under the Explosives Act.

The raids were supported by officers from the North West Counter Terrorism Unit.

A cordon was put in place and residents and motorists were advised to avoid the area while emergency services dealt with the scene.